PsalmScripture (ESV)
Psalm 139 — Prayer of God’s Presence
Psalm 139 is a prayer celebrating God’s intimate, all-knowing presence — that he knows us completely, is with us everywhere, and created us with purpose.
Prayer
O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
Amen.
Scripture References
Context & Background
David wrote this psalm marveling at the depth of God’s knowledge of each person. It affirms that God knows our thoughts, is present everywhere, and personally crafted us in the womb. The psalm ends with an invitation for God to search and purify our hearts.